Startled Pilgrim 1920

"Startled Pilgrim," a 1920 illustration by J.C. Leyendecker, portrays a Pilgrim dressed in traditional attire seated at a table with a roasted turkey in front of him. However, the scene is disrupted by a barrage of arrows seemingly piercing the turkey and the table. The Pilgrim's wide-eyed, startled expression captures the viewer's attention, suggesting a humorous take on the hardships faced by early settlers. Leyendecker, a prominent American illustrator of the early 20th century, is known for his iconic magazine covers and advertisements, often depicting idealized, romantic visions of American life. This particular piece, with its lighthearted, yet slightly unsettling tone, is characteristic of Leyendecker's humorous and engaging style.